The city of Durango and the Southern Ute Tribe are accelerating the buildout of Three Springs. Development projects that generate synergistic long-term benefits usually are expensive. Completing the Three Springs project could cost an incremental $100 million in public infrastructure funds.
However, with the addition of significant numbers of affordable and accessible housing units, a 75-acre park and an elementary school, Three Springs should contribute meaningfully to Durango’s recreational opportunities, housing stock, educational base, economy and lifestyle.
Where does the $100 million estimate come from? Approximately $30 million to $40 million for the 75-acre park (Durango estimated the cost in 2007 at $20 million); $25 million for a 600-student elementary school (from Cumming cost consulting firm); $9 million to extend Wilson Gulch Drive (Durango’s current estimate). And potentially $30 million to $35 million for a 500-student middle school (anticipated in the original Three Springs development plan).
Currently, available federal and state funding may cover much of the public infrastructure costs.
As envisioned in the 2007 Three Springs Park Development Plan, the 75-acre park could become a core recreational site for the entire Durango community with multiple soccer and softball fields, tennis courts and play areas. The regional and local entertainment, and sports events in nearby Durango Mesa Park could pull incremental commercial activity into Three Springs (e.g., dining, shopping, hotel stays). Taken together, Three Springs and Durango Mesa could elevate Durango to the next level of dynamism.
Synergistic community development is worth the cost.
Thomas DeHudy
Durango
